NAIL COMPETITION

NORTH AMERICA'S Star Nail Artist

SEASON 2 Meet the contestants

By Yuliia Kovalchuk.

By April Lang.

Hundreds of submissions were received from nail artists working in the USA, Canada and Mexico when entry opened for Season 2 of the North America’s Star Nail Artist contest – but only 25 could make it through to the first challenge.

Created by the team behind Scratch and Nailympia Competitions, North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) elevates the creativity and imaginations of nail pros, while celebrating talent and innovation.

The first season was won by Anastasia Totty of Florida, USA, in June 2025, and saw her scoop a $2,500 cash prize, products from sponsors and partners, plus a Scratch front cover and 12-month column series. Season 2 opened for entry on August 1 and invited nail artists to submit 10 photos of their creative work and a reel-style video about themselves. These were then assessed to determine a top 25, who commenced their first nail art challenge on October 1.

Five further challenges will be set following this: in November, January, February, March and April. Each will unveil a task written by one of the season’s sponsors: Jan Arnold, LECHAT Nailcare Products, Glitterbels, The GelBottle Inc and Gelish. Contestants will be required to create a nail design to suit each brief, with an accompanying reel-style video, over a two-week period.

By Aura Aponte-Flores.

These monthly submissions will be assessed and scored by a prestigious panel of industry judges, with a top three announced each month. Those with the lowest scores following each challenge will be required to complete an additional task to fight for their place in the contest. Their creations will then be scored, to determine who will be eliminated and who will move to the next round.

By May 1, only three contestants will remain, who will be flown to Premiere Orlando later that month, at which Scratch will host its third Scratch Social nail industry event. Here, the winner will be unveiled. The top 3 will each scoop a cash prize, trophy and sponsor gifts, with the champion enjoying additional rewards.

Contest organiser, Helena Biggs, who is editorial & partnerships director at Scratch, comments: “Over six months, the top 25 will compete in challenges that push their creativity and storytelling skills to new heights. Judges will evaluate precision, design and product use, as well as editing and originality. This year’s shortlist represents a broad range of talent: from seasoned competitors to up-and-coming nail artists.”

Helena Biggs

Get to know Season 2’s contestants and follow their journeys via www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/nasna

“Over six months, the top 25 will compete in challenges that push their creativity and storytelling skills to new heights.”

ABBIE NGUYEN

Kentucky, USA

@nailsbyabbie1901

“My favourite nail designs to create are fantasy and couture nails. I love working in the industry because it gives me the power to tell stories through art: stories that live on the fingertips. I am excited to challenge myself, share my visions and inspire other nail professionals to keep our craft thriving.”

AURA APONTE-FLORES

Texas, USA

@aurasnails_dfw

“I enjoy making people happy through nail design. My signature style is intricate, encapsulated work and I favour sculpting with L&P acrylic. Being a part of North America’s Star Nail Artist allows me to challenge myself and improve areas of my craft.”

ANA VEGA

Florida, USA

@anitika88

“Nail art is an amazing form of expression, and I love creating extreme nails featuring different textures. I have entered many competitions which have elevated my career, and I am excited to challenge myself in the North America’s Star Nail Artist contest.”

CATHY TORRES

British Columbia, Canada

@topnailtech

“The nail industry gives me the chance to be creative and transform my clients’ nails from ‘ick’ to ‘wow’! My style is versatile, but I love to build with 3D gels. I find it so satisfying and rewarding to take a vision and make it a reality on a nail. I’m ready to explore what I can do in the challenges.”

ANDREA SANTOS

Oregon, USA

@mani.cure.it

“The nail industry offers so many career opportunities, and I love being able to express my creativity through nail art. My signature technique is hand-painting, and I think NASNA will be a great way to showcase my skills and boost my profile.”

ERIN PASCHKE

Oregon, USA

@epicartistry11

“As a nail artist, I can deliver designs that boost clients’ confidence. My job makes me excited every day! In Season 1, I pushed my skills to new heights and tried things I didn’t know I was capable of. I can’t wait to see how much I grow this season.”

APRIL LANG

Alabama, USA

@april.lang.nails

“Nail art makes me feel so happy! My favourite technique is adding highlights and shadows to give designs dimension. I regularly work with gel paints and glitters, and am looking forward to taking my skills to the next level by competing in NASNA.”

HIRSCH HUNTY

North Carolina, USA

@nailsbyhirsch

“I love empowering and inspiring others with my creativity and producing works of art on tiny canvases. I have the hunger, drive and dedication to go far in this contest, and I learned so much from Season 1 that supports both my salon and competition work.”

ASHLEY BIASELLA

Arizona, USA

@badash_nails

“Getting to work with people every day and create nail looks that aid self-expression are reasons why I love my job. My nail style is eclectic and I feel I have so much to give in this contest. It’s going to be so much fun!”

HOPE JUNG

Wisconsin, USA

@hopejungnails

“My favourite nail designs to create are alternative and eye-catching, using my signature nail art style: dark and whimsical with a bold colour palette. Nail art makes me feel empowered as there are no limits to what can be produced, so I can push my creative boundaries.”

JACQUELINE MCCLEMENT

Saskatchewan, Canada

@jaclynznails

“I have been a nail technician for over 10 years and love creating extreme designs and painting nail portraits. I’m so excited to see what contestants produce for the North America’s Star Nail Artist: Season 2 challenges.”

JESSICA VERO

British Columbia, Canada

@jvnaildesign

“I love that we get to make people feel positive in our roles as nail artists. It’s all about being part of a client’s self-care routine and creating art that allows them to express their personal style. Nail art makes me feel fulfilled and allows me to be creative, while challenging me in wonderful ways.”

LINA RACQUEL

Texas, USA

@linailedd.it

“There are never-ending possibilities for growth in this industry. Nail art makes me feel alive, allows me to be creatively free, express my personality and be the rebel I was born to be! I am excited to challenge myself and grow my skills by participating in NASNA, and am looking forward to seeing everyone else’s art!”

KELSEY MCQUAY

Florida, USA

@cocomaries_lacquerlounge

“Being a part of Season 1 was an unforgettable experience that pushed me creatively and allowed me to showcase my work. It taught me a lot about myself and who I am as an artist. This season, I’m bringing bolder ideas, more refined techniques and a fresh perspective.”

MARIA QUESADA

South Carolina, USA

@trueartistnails

“Nail art connects me to my creative side. My favourite designs to create are 2D characters, and I love realism and 3D sculptures. I want to see how I can grow as an artist through this competition and can’t wait to show off my skills.”

KLYSTA PESINA

Texas, USA

@exquisitenailsboutique

“I never limit myself when it comes to creating nail designs, because I am constantly inspired by nature, music and movies. The NASNA challenges will allow me to see how far I can push my creative edge and to show my authentic self through nail art.”

MELISSA WHIFFEN

Newfoundland, Canada

@nailartjunkiesnl

“This industry allows me to meet so many interesting people: from amazing nail clients to talented artists in the competition field. The only way to elevate skills is to enter contests like NASNA. You learn new techniques, how to work with different products and, importantly, you learn about yourself.”

MICHELLE GONZALEZ

Acolman, Mexico

@folknailsmx

“My signature nail art style is micro-painting, and I love creating beautiful designs for clients, particularly those inspired by Mexican culture. NASNA is my first nail competition and I want to show my nail artistry to the world.”

MICHELLE SOTO

Florida, USA

@chellys_nails

“I would love to win NASNA this season and am excited to put my all into the contest. I am passionate about nail art and inspired by dreams, so I can’t wait to imagine up new and exciting ideas for each challenge.”

SIERRA PAGAN

Florida, USA

@nailzbysierra

“I love freestyle nail art, where every nail is different but somehow tied together in the overall look. My signature style is random and funky, and nail art makes me feel free and happy. I had so much fun in Season 1 and want to go far this season, as I am creative, passionate and keen to make people proud.”

PROVY-ANN MCCLELLEN

Florida, USA

@uniquely_sculptured_nails

“My signature nail art style features 3D flowers, and I like to include ombré effects to enhance my designs. Competing in North America’s Star Nail Artist will build my confidence and profile, and I can’t wait to get creative.”

TAI JONES

Florida, USA

@nailsbytailiu

“My favourite nail art to create involves characters or the Kawaii style, and I enjoy crafting anything 3D or sculpted. Nail art makes me feel connected and happy and I love making my clients happy, too.”

SHAYNA OSAZUWA

Saskatchewan, Canada

@shaynaoesthetics

“I’m so happy to be a part of the NASNA experience and be able to showcase my skills. My favourite designs to create are hand-painted, encapsulated styles and I enjoy 3D sculpting and crafting extreme shapes. I’m willing to work hard and make this season a priority.”

YULIIA KOVALCHUK

New York, USA

@kovanailsart

“I love my job because I can make beauty with my hands. From long nails to creative shapes, nail art allows me to express myself and makes me feel happy and free. NASNA Season 1 grew my skills and I am excited to showcase my art and meet the other contestants.”

SHERIDAN MOORE

Utah, USA

@nailsbysheridan_

“The nail industry is my creative outlet and I love holding hands with my clients. I enjoy creating unique, artistic designs with fine line detailing. Nail art makes me feel limitless and I am looking forward to pushing myself out of my comfort zone in this contest.”